Study Abroad Opportunities
for Students Interested in
BOSTON COLLEGE
FRENCH STUDIES
When Can I Study Abroad?
French Studies majors and minors are eligible to study
abroad during the fall or spring semester of junior year, or
fall semester of senior year. Students who are diligent in
their planning may be able to study abroad for the entire
academic year.
What Can I Study While Abroad?
Boston College offers a variety of study abroad programs to
match your academic interests and complement the French
Studies major or minor. For example:


Students interested in France can attend the
Université de Strasbourg. Students may enroll in
French literature courses to read and analyze
famous works. Students interested in improving
their French linguistic and communicative skills
may enroll in the Early Start language-intensive
program.
The Université de Strasbourg also provides a
unique opportunity for students to participate in the
European Parliament Week during the spring
semester. Students take part in debates and
lectures by European Parliamentarians and receive
tours of the Seat of the European Parliament in
Strasbourg.
These are only a couple of examples of recommended
programs for French Studies students. For more
suggestions, please see the list of recommended university
partnerships at the end of this guide.
Various BC summer programs are also offered every year
in which you may participate as early as the summer after
the freshman year.
What Classes Should I Take Before Studying Abroad?
Early planning is essential to make sure that students will
meet the requirements for the French Studies program and
to ensure that students will have a strong background for
study abroad and to take advantage of the best offerings at
the host institution, including upper-level seminars.
At a minimum, French Studies students should have
completed at least CCR II prior to study abroad.
What Classes Should I Plan To Take Abroad?
The ideal type of course is one that fits with the French
Studies major or minor but is not available at Boston
College. Courses that focus on the region in which students
are studying and those that reflect the academic strengths
of the host university department are highly recommended.
With departmental approval, French Studies majors can
transfer up to 3 courses (9 credits) for one semester of
study abroad and 5 courses (15 credits) for a full-year
program. If three or more courses for the major are
transferred from study abroad, then all other courses must
be taken in the department.
French Studies minors are allowed to transfer 2 courses (6
credits) for one semester and 3 courses (9 credits) for a fullyear program.
Credit will not be given for courses taught in English. When
requesting approval, students must demonstrate how the
course abroad will complement their BC program of study
since courses taken in French will not automatically be
approved.
All students must consult with the Director of
Undergraduate Studies about course approvals before
making their final study abroad plans.
What If I Am Planning To Do An Honors Thesis?
In recent years, many students have used their experiences
abroad to help generate or supplement a compelling honors
thesis. If students already have a topic in mind, study
abroad provides an excellent opportunity to conduct on-site
research and establish contact with faculty at your host
institution. All students are strongly encouraged to think
about how their semester or year abroad can be integrated
into an honors thesis.
If students are planning to do an honors thesis, they are
strongly urged to plan ahead. Students are advised to
establish a thesis topic and identify a faculty member willing
to supervise their work before departing, and to maintain email contact with their thesis advisor while abroad.
How Can I Find Out More Information?
 Visit OIP in Hovey House during business hours
 Go to the OIP website: www.bc.edu/international
 Go to the RLL website:
www.bc.edu/schools/cas/romlang/
 Attend OIP ”Information Session” to learn about study
abroad opportunities
 Visit OIP “Resource Room” at Hovey House to speak
with an Advising Assistant about study abroad
 Set up an appointment with an International Study
Advisor to discuss specific programs
University Partnerships with Programs
for Students Interested in French Studies
University
Terms of Study
FS
Program
FRANCE
Institut Catholique de Paris (ICP)
Institut d'études Politiques (Strasbourg)
Institut d'études Politiques de Paris (Sciences Po)
University of Paris IV - Sorbonne
University of Paris VII - Denis Diderot
University of Paris IX - Dauphine
Université de Strasbourg
Fall, Spring, Full Year
Fall, Spring, Full Year
Full Year Only
Fall, Spring, Full Year
Fall, Spring, Full Year
Fall, Spring, Full Year
Fall, Spring, Full Year
Major
Major
Major
Major
Major
Major
Major
Major
Minor
Upper-level and lower-level requirements may be fulfilled at the institution.
Lower-level requirements may be fulfilled at the institution.
Summer Seminars 2014 for Students Interested in French Studies
Seminar Title
City
Requirement
Bordeaux
A&S Language
Bordeaux
A&S Language
FRANCE
France: Culture, Civilization, Literature and Film (3
credits)
Intensive Intermediate French (6 credits)
updated 12/9/13